This kind of film is an acquired taste, recommended for the terrific performances but with the warning that you may leave the theater feeling like you need a bath.
Narc (2002)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:152
Fresh:126
Rotten:26
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: Jason Patric and Ray Liotta are electrifying in this gritty, if a little too familiar, cop drama.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong brutal violence, drug content and pervasive language
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Jan 10, 2003 Wide
Box Office: $10,237,964
Synopsis:
In homage to such classic films as "The French Connection" and "Serpico," writer/director Joe Carnahan's "Narc" explores the dark underbelly of the drug world with a compelling story about the...
In homage to such classic films as "The French Connection" and "Serpico," writer/director Joe Carnahan's "Narc" explores the dark underbelly of the drug world with a compelling story about the intense psyche behind those individuals called "narcs," undercover officers who put themselves on the front lines of the war against drugs. Chipping away at the number of dealers on the streets, these brave men and women leave their loved ones behind each day as they throw themselves into the brutal world of drug abuse for one purpose only…to end it.
"Narc" tells the story of suspended undercover narcotics officer, Nick Tellis (Jason Patric), who is reluctantly drawn back onto the force to find the truth behind the murder of a young police officer killed in the line of duty. He is teamed with Henry Oak (Ray Liotta), the slain officer's partner, a rogue cop who will stop at nothing to avenge his friend's death. As Tellis and Oak unravel the case, the dark underbelly of the narcotics world reveals itself in surprising ways that are more twisted than either officer has seen before…and the mystery that slowly reveals itself threatens to destroy them both.
Nominated for the Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and winner of the Special Prize Policier Award at the Cognac Film Festival in France, "Narc" is written and directed by an innovative new voice in filmmaking, Joe Carnahan ("Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane"). The film stars Jason Patric ("Your Friends & Neighbors," "Rush") and Ray Liotta ("Hannibal," "Goodfellas"). An intense adrenaline rush from the first heart-stopping chase scene to the stunning dramatic climax, this taut police thriller also features rap artist Busta Rhymes ("Finding Forester," "Shaft") and Chi McBride ("Undercover Brother").
Starring: Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Busta Rhymes, Richard Chevolleau
Starring: Ray Liotta, Jason Patric, Busta Rhymes, Richard Chevolleau, Chi McBride, John Ortiz, Anne Openshaw, Alan Van Sprang, Tom Cruise
Director: Joe Carnahan
Director: Joe Carnahan
Screenwriter: Joe Carnahan
Producer: Ray Liotta
Composer: Cliff Martinez
Studio: Paramount Pictures
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Reviews for Narc
The best thing I can say about this film is that I can't wait to see what the director does next.
Smart script, believable story, lots of unanswered questions, none resolved in pat ‘Hollywood’ ways, great locations and set design, and good, dreary-looking, cinematography.
Marred only by a mildly disappointing ending, it's a smart, hard-hitting drama.
Nothing particularly special or memorable - even the 'surprise' at the end isn't especially surprising -- the film competently tells it tale.
There are things to admire about Narc, but they're individual things, not the movie as a whole.
With gritty, in-your-face camera work, fast-paced cutting and energized performances, Joe Carnahan's Narc brings new life to the time-worn police thriller.
Writer/director Joe Carnahan's grimy crime drama is a manual of precinct cliches, but it moves fast enough to cover its clunky dialogue and lapses in logic.
Finesse is certainly at a premium in Narc. What we get is brute force and a whopping load of testosterone.
Working his lead actors into a frenzy, Carnahan infuses the film with an energetic texture that calls to mind the works of Quentin Tarantino.
A stylistic throwback to such classic 1970s cop dramas as The French Connection and Serpico, with a 21st century helping of the old ultra-violence.
Joe Carnahan's Narc may not reinvent the cop flick, but it definitely reinvigorates it.
Equally served by its acting and filmmaking, Narc is pure template, an absolute example of how a cop film should be.
Latest News for Narc
May 03, 2007:
Smokin' Joe Has Seen a "Sin City 2" Teaser
And by "Smokin' Joe" I mean Crazy Joe Carnahan, director of action flicks like "Narc" and "Smokin' Aces." Seems that Robert Rodriguez recently... More...
August 18, 2006:
Trailer Bulletin: The Insane "Smokin' Aces"
Last week I was all set to share the all-new and seriously energetic trailer for Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces," but the official site went bye-bye before I could... More...
October 14, 2005:
Andy Garcia Joins Carnahan's "Smokin'" Ensemble
Variety brings word that Andy Garcia will climb aboard director Joe Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces," am action-comedy that's already packing some solid star power. More...
August 12, 2005:
Carnahan Starts "Smokin'" for Universal
"Narc" director Joe Carnahan has been tapped by Universal to helm "Smokin' Aces," from his own screenplay. The action thriller is set to star Ryan Reynolds,... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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